Dan D’Agostino Master Audio Systems announced the Progression Stereo amplifier, the second model released in the Progression Series that debuted in 2016. Featuring the innovative Super Rail circuitry, first unveiled in the Progression Mono amplifier, the Progression Stereo delivers remarkable control and fidelity to any connected loudspeaker, the company states.
Most amplifiers employ two voltage rails, a positive one and its companion negative partner, which support the delivery of power to the loudspeaker. The music signal swings between these two rails but due to natural loss, the musical signal never reaches the output rails’ full capability. According to the press release, the Super Rail employs higher voltage rails in the sections prior to the output stage. This voltage “boost” allows the musical signal to exploit the full capability of the output voltage rails and maximize the performance of the output circuitry itself. The result is improved dynamics, lower distortion, and a fierce grip of the loudspeaker.“With the Progression series, we focused on creating amplifiers that deliver our performance and power delivery at a lower price. The Progression Stereo amplifier takes advantage of our new Super Rail technology which lifted the amplifier’s sound quality beyond my expectations.” company founder and chief engineer Dan D’Agostino said. “More affordable than the Momentum series, in large part because we used aluminum instead of copper for the heatsinks,” D’Agostino continued. “The Progression Stereo still employs through-hole construction for the best sound quality and durability, and like all our products, the Progression Stereo amplifier is hand built in our Arizona facility.”
A chassis made of aluminum houses a nearly 3,000 VA power supply transformer coupled to 400,000uF of storage capacitance. Paired to this power supply, is a fully complementary driver stage, and output circuitry outfitted with 48 power transistors. The Progression Stereo is conservatively rated at 300 Watts into 8 Ohms and delivers 600 Watts into 4 Ohms, and 1,200 Watts into 2 Ohms.
Inspired by the elegant faces of classic Swiss watches, the Progression Stereo is fronted by an exposed movement power meter. Featuring two 90-degree needle swing arms, a high-speed ballistic circuit enhances the meter’s responsiveness. The venturi style heatsink design, premiered in the Momentum amplifiers, has been adapted to the cooling needs of the Progression Stereo amplifier. Starting with a 48.5lb (22kg) aluminum slab, each heatsink is milled to form the most efficient cooling element possible. This efficiency keeps the Progression Stereo amplifier running surprisingly cool despite its power output, the company says.
The Progression Stereo amplifier will begin shipping in May, 2017 at $22,000. Standard finishes include silver or black with custom painted finishes available upon request.
Please note that the photo included in this article pictures the Progression Mono chassis and power meter. Until the time this page was last updated, the company offered no picture for the Progression Stereo.